Generally speaking, if your lawn is healthy, it shouldn’t need excessive watering throughout the summer. But in extended dryer conditions, watering occasionally is a good idea (between 10 – 14 days apart is best!).
Try to water during cooler periods, such as early morning or late evening to help the water soak deep into the roots. There’s no need to water every day though – this can do more harm than good and will put roots at risk of drying out.
Although you should aim to mow your lawn twice a week, in really hot and dry weather, once a week will suffice. This helps reduce stress on the lawn and will actually help your grass to grow longer during these periods.
Aeration can help create space for your lawn’s soil to absorb air, water and food – which is great for soil health. It can also help your grass recover quicker from any browning due to the heat.
You should aerate your lawn once a year minimum, and summer can be a great time to do so if the grass is looking dry. Just use a garden fork to poke holes 5-15cm deep at regular intervals in the grass – if the soil is particularly dry, lightly water it first.
The optimum time for repairing your lawn and fixing dead patches of grass is spring and early autumn – but it can be done in the summer too. It just requires some extra effort.
Try using patching products like Miracle-Gro, alongside grass seed or repair packs. Follow the pack’s instructions and remember to water diligently to help the grass recover quicker. However, keep in mind that larger areas may need to be re-turfed altogether.
Warmer weather will cause your lawn to grow rapidly and quickly use up any nutrients in the soil.
You can give it a helping hand with granular fertiliser or liquid lawn feed. This boost of nutrients will keep your lawn looking vibrant and healthy.
Just remember that in dry conditions, many products will need to be watered to activate the feed.
We all struggle with persistent weeds in our gardens. You’ll usually find white clover, creeping thistle, dandelions and other invasive plants appearing during the summer.
Rather than using chemical treatments, try digging out the offending weeds first. If that’s not possible, consider a selective lawn weed killer which will do the job but leave your grass undamaged.
Limit foot traffic on your lawn during hot periods to prevent compaction and wear. You can also provide temporary shade with canopies or tarps in extreme heat. Planting trees strategically can help provide shade too.
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